King David was a great warrior and leader, but he also made some desperate mistakes. However, he also knew where to go to get himself sorted-out and back on his feet.
Psalm 51
1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to your lovingkindness: according to the multitude of your tender mercies blot out my wicked sin.
2 Wash me throughly [all the way through and through] from my iniquity, and cleanse me [purge me] from my sin.
3 For I acknowledge my transgressions [I own up to them in shame]: and my sin is always in front of me [it hangs over my life like a shroud].
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned, and done this evil in your sight: that you might be justified [righteous] when you speak, and be clear [pure] when you judge [for I have no argument, no defence, nor excuse for my sin].
5 See now, I was formed [brought forth, born] in iniquity [in sin]; and in sin did my mother conceive me [I was born and am by very nature a wretched sinner].
6 Behold [see now], you desire truth in the inward parts [in my heart, mind, and soul; my motives, emotions, and sincerity]: and in the hidden part [deep within me, the hidden, secret place, the essence of my life] you shall make me to know wisdom.
7 Purge [wash and cleanse] me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. [Hyssop, a purifying herb used to sprinkle the sacrificial blood during the Passover; and thus it is only the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus upon us that cleanses us from all sin.]
8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; so that the bones which you have broken may rejoice.
9 Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God [make my dirty old heart clean; make me a new heart]; and renew a right spirit within me [it was there before, please renew and establish it there again].
11 Do not cast me away from your presence; and do not take your holy spirit from me [do not withdraw your presence, grace, and comforts from me].
12 Restore to me the joy [that joy I once knew] of your salvation; and uphold me [stand me up and be my Keeper] with your free [bountiful and generous] spirit.
13 Then will I teach transgressors [the rebellious] your ways; and sinners shall be converted [turned in repentance] to you.
14 Deliver me from this murderous capital crime, [for indeed, I am worthy of death], O God, you the God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing out-loud of your righteousness.
15 O Lord, open my mouth; and my voice shall make known your praise.
16 For you do not desire sacrifice [a symbolic sacrifice]; otherwise I would give it: you do not delight in burnt offering [a ritual penance].
Note: [Both of which were sacrifices pointing to the perfect offering of the body of Jesus to atone once and for ever for all sin on our behalf].
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit [a willing and surrendered life]: a broken and a contrite [crushed and humble] heart, O God, you will not despise.
18 Do good in your good pleasure to Zion [i.e. God's people]: build [establish, enlarge] the walls of Jerusalem [i.e. the kingdom of God].
19 Then shall you be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks on your altar. [Then the offerings, gifts, and things I seek to do for God's glory will be acceptable by Him.]
The Easier-English Book of Psalms published by The Hwyl Publishing House 2024 (c)
